Israeli pianist teams with Haifa Symphony Orchestra

Israeli classical pianist Roman Rabinovich, one of Israel's young performers on the rise, teams with the Haifa Symphony Orchestra in concert Jan. 29 at Kravis Center in West Palm Beach.

The concert is the second of two performances by the Haifa Symphony. The Haifa Symphony will also perform (without Rabinovich) at Kravis on Jan. 28

Making his debut on stage at age ten with conductor Zubin Mehta and the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, the 28-year-old Rabinovich gained fame for his enthusiastic playing with flair of the works of classical composers, such as Beethoven and Mozart.

"It is an honor to have Roman tour with the Haifa Symphony for our first American tour of 30 cities. His brilliance on the piano and dedication to the classical composers will move audiences," said Boguslaw Dawidow, conductor of the Haifa Symphony Orchestra.

"I have and continue to have many memorable concerts in my career. I have been fortunate to have played and worked with Zubin Mehta as well as many other conductors and orchestras in Israel. It is also special to have played in some of the most beautiful concert halls around the world," said Rabinovich.

Haifa Symphony Orchestra, founded in 1950, is considered the leading cultural arts organization of northern Israel.

"It is very important to support Israeli orchestras and many Israeli composers whose works I often play in concert," added Rabinovich.

Born in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, Rabinovich started studying with his mother Mira, also a pianist, at age six. Following his debut with the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, Rabinovich and his parents immigrated to Israel in 1994. He continued to blossom on the piano, performing worldwide while also earning a Masters degree in music from the Juilliard School in New York.

Earning positive reviews from audiences and critics alike, Rabinovich has recorded two CDs and has developed an interest in painting, a passion of his that is almost as strong as his love of music.

"I started painting as a young child. Unlike the formal lessons I had with the piano, I learned to paint through intuition and do so in many mediums — acrylic, digital, oil and on my iPad. I am especially proud of designing the booklets with my drawings on my latest CD 'Ballet Russes.'"

On "Ballet Russes," Rabinovich performs on piano the musical arrangements to many classical ballets, such as "Romeo and Juliet."

Rabinovich stars in concert with Haifa Symphony Orchestra Jan. 29 at 2 p.m. at Kravis Center, 701 Okeechobee Blvd. in West Palm Beach. The orchestra will also be in concert Jan. 28 at 8 p.m. at Kravis Center, without Rabinovich. For tickets, call 561-832-7469 or go to http://www.kravis.org